Famous Paintings Reviewed

One might think that all the Michelangelo paintings ever created by the Renaissance genius are known and documented. Logical, given thatMichelangelo (1475-1564) is one of the most researched and famous painters in the history of art -- but erroneous!

Alleged discoveries of Michelangelo paintings invariably (and understandably) rock the art history world. Edward Fahey, formerly at the Met Museum, recently claimed that the Met's St. John the Baptist Bearing Witness is a Michelangelo masterpiece, while Forcellio made headlines when he asserted that Pieta, which hung over a family's couch in upstate New York, was a Michelangelo painting. To date, neither has been decisively authenticated by art history experts.

This alleged Michelangelo painting, though, may have the most substantiation. Crucifixion with the Madonna, St. John and Two Mourning Angels had been hanging in Campion Hall at University of Oxford (but has since been moved to Oxford's Ashmolean Museum for safe-keeping). Measuring a scant 20" by 13", Crucifixion with the Madonna has on its back 18 wax seals with the Cavalieri family's coat of arms; it is well established that Michelangelo remained profoundly infatuated with Tommaso Cavalieri after they met in 1532.

Wax seals, of course, are insufficient evidence. In his book, "The Lost Michelangelos" (page 139), Forcellino recounts his first impression of Crucifixion with the Madonna, stating

...the figure of Christ was in a wholly different league … the modelling was stronger, and the painting and facial expression had a clarity that created the impression of an artist of much greater standing.

Today, the BBC released a video interview with Father Callaghan of Campion Hall, showing great footage of the Crucifixion. Let me know your thoughts on whether this is or isn't Michelangelo artwork!

I am a very traditional art, literature, music lover, but I find it interesting that we value a painting by its authenticity or artist. I am in favor of authenticating a painting for the record, but what if, maybe a great novel, the painting by the forger was actually superior to the original work. Not objecting to the examination. Truth is above all, but that mischievousness little thought picks at my thoughts.

Sheryl Skoglund

Original is the thought or idea. A copy is just a copy maybe an improvement or not but the originator had the idea.

Sheryl Skoglund

If an artist copied an idea from another artist it is not an original. Artists work need to be protected from people trying to copy the work instead of originating their own work and ideas. Original ideas and work is the first thought for the idea not a copier. Credit should be to the originator not a copier.

Susan Benford

Just finished reading an ArtInfo.com article about the ways in which viewers assess art, and what those criteria are. It's worth a read!

While waiting for the science to finish its report, this is intriguing on any level. Even if made from drawing of Michelangelo, it is a beautiful work of art, and valuable in its own right. If it is truly by the master, I bet there is a story behind its journey to Campion Hall.

I don't know...this painting doesn't really look like a Michelangelo to me. I'd like to study things a little more, but I think that the figures seem a little too static to be by Michelangelo. The foreshortening in the background doesn't seem to meet Michelangelo's technical ability, either.

But, this being said, I'm always hesitant to immediately embrace a new "discovery" in the art world!

Susan Benford

I feel a bit skeptical, too, especially because this summer is awash in so many alleged attributions (I'm thinking of Leonardo and Caravaggio, for instance).

But the wax seals, and their association with the man some believe was Michelangelo's paramour, are most intriguing. Let's hope this attribution gets resolved decisively and soon!

tderose

I am a Caravaggio obsessive. I was amused, however, at the price a painting will get if it is a Caravaggio, but, and I am not talking a copy, but an original, the price of the same painting if it is done by a student or contemporary. I go into antique stores and wince at the prices nondescript, but elderly, will bring simply by surviving. I like the painting even if it isn't a Michelangelo.

Susan Benford

I'm right there with you on being Caravaggio-obsessive, but hey - there are worst obsessions, right?

Please be sure to read about some of the Caravaggio paintings I've blogged about -- see the blogroll on the right!

Thanks for commenting.

Susan Benford

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